Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has worked out a plan to ensure substantial increase in Pakistan’s exports as the country has the potential to cater to the world said TDAP Chief Executive Abid Javaid Akbar while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Monday. LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar, Senior Vice President Irfan iqbal Sheikh, Vice President Mian Abuzar Shadand others also spoke on the occasion. Abid Javaid Akbar said Pakistan’s exports could go up to $50 billion in the coming years as the TDAP has adopted a focused approach on the basis of information it is receiving from 45 Pakistani missions abroad. The TDAP chief executive also hinted at the possibility of starting barter trade with D-8 countries that have weaker banking and financial systems. He said that this proposition was discussed especially with Iran and Nigeria during the recently concluded D-8 Summit. He said TDAP is ready to work with LCCI proposals regarding holding of exhibition at Lahore Expo Centre and patronising the chamber’s delegations to various global destinations. He further said that presently the TDAP is working on creating awareness among businessmen about right market places in the world. Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President Farooq Iftikhar urged the TDAP to focus on exploring the market for Pakistani value added items as about one half of Pakistan’s exports go to seven countries only while one fourth exports consistently find their way in the European Union. He said that there is a lot of potential of trade with regions and countries like SAARC, ASEAN, OIC, Central Asian Republics, Middle East, Africa, China, Iran and India, but unfortunately no strategy has been adopted to tap this potential.
